What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack myelin. Myelin is the protective layer that covers the nerve cells. This can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, tingling, vision problems, and difficulty balancing and walking. There are several types of MS. The main types include relapsing-remitting MS, primary-progressive MS, secondary-progressive MS, and progressive-relapsing MS. Learn more about the types of MS.

Is multiple sclerosis hereditary?

A person does not directly inherit MS from a family member. However, more than 200 genes may contribute to its development. More research is necessary to better understand the role genes play in MS. Learn more about MS and genetics.

What causes multiple sclerosis?

The exact cause of MS is unclear. However, various factors can increase the likelihood of the condition developing. These include certain genes, exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus, and low levels of vitamin D. MS is more common in people assigned female at birth. It typically develops between the ages of 15 and 50 years.

Can multiple sclerosis be fatal?

MS is rarely fatal. In most cases, it does not affect a person's life expectancy. A 2020 study found that MS-related deaths were mostly due to infection, advanced immobility, and chronic respiratory disease. However, the study also noted that receiving suitable treatment to reduce the likelihood of these and other complications can improve outcomes for people with MS. A person can discuss their treatment plan with their doctor to help manage MS. Newer therapies for MS may help improve outcomes. Learn more about MS and life expectancy.

Multiple Sclerosis Ms Doctors Near Lexington, KY

Featured

Discover Top Multiple Sclerosis Ms Doctors in Lexington, KY

Insurance

Gender

Distance

Specialty

Age

Availability

Language

Patient Satisfaction

Affiliated Facility

Dr. William Bridges, MD

Dr. Amjad Bukhari, MD

Dr. Toufic Fakhoury, MD

Dr. John Slevin, MD

Dr. Zhu Zhu, MD

Dr. David Pursley, MD

Dr. Meriem Bensalem-Owen, MD

Dr. Jagannadha Avasarala, MD

Dr. Saniya Pervin, MD

Dr. Tritia Yamasaki, MD

Dr. Charles Smith Jr, MD

Dr. Edward Kasarskis, MD

Dr. Dana Ionel, DO

Dr. Tarek Ali, MD

Dr. Elif Coskun, MD

Dr. Jessica McFarlin, MD

Dr. Jordan Clay, MD

Dr. Gabriela Keeton, MD

Dr. Sally Mathias, MB Bs

Dr. Daniel Lee, MD

Dr. Kara Kennedy, DO

Dr. Padmaja Sudhakar, MB Bs

Dr. Zain Guduru, MD

Dr. Zabeen Mahuwala, MD

Dr. Joshua Chalkley, DO

Dr. Gregory Jicha, MD

Dr. Julie Youssefi, MD

Dr. Ayman Al-Salaimeh, MB Bs

Dr. Joseph Zerga III, MD

Dr. Yuyao Sun, MD

Dr. Nakul Katyal, MD

Dr. Amy Hessler, DO

Dr. Siddharth Kapoor, MD

Dr. Vishakhadatta Kumaraswamy, MD

Dr. Cecilio Hernandez, MD

Dr. Suhas Gangadhara, MD

Dr. Richard King, MD

Dr. Mais Al-Kawaz, MD

Dr. Robert Jensen, MD

Dr. Mam Ibraheem, MD

Dr. Gaston Da Costa, MD

Dr. Craig Knox, MD

Dr. Melissa Smith, DO

Dr. Eliza Robertson, MD

Dr. Andrew Schneider, MD

Dr. Regina Raab, MD

Dr. David Blake, MD

Dr. Lawrence Jedlicka, MD

Dr. William Bridges, MD

Dr. Laura Watson, MD

Dr. Prakashkumar Patel Jr, MD

Dr. Patrick Leung, MD

Dr. Toufic Fakhoury, MD

Dr. Manjari Motaparthi, MD

Dr. Alexander Tikhtman, MD

Dr. Amartyadeb Goswami, MD

Dr. Patricia Kleinholz-Owens, MD

Dr. Timothy Coleman, MD

Dr. Denise Phillips, MD

Dr. Tarif Bakdash, MD

Dr. Samuel Byron, DO

Dr. Murali Kolikonda, MD

Dr. Ronak Jani, MD

Dr. Gregory Cooper, MD

Dr. Stephanie Sheffield, MD

Multiple Sclerosis: Frequently Asked Questions

Is multiple sclerosis hereditary? Chevron Icon

What causes multiple sclerosis? Chevron Icon

Can multiple sclerosis be fatal? Chevron Icon

Is multiple sclerosis hereditary?

What causes multiple sclerosis?

Can multiple sclerosis be fatal?